Session 1 - 9.30 - 10.40am: Safe Nervous Systems for Students
Explore how to become a safe and supportive presence for learners by understanding the role of nervous system regulation through use of the PACE model. We will focus on the power of connection and attunement, while practicing sensory and emotional regulation strategies that foster trust and wellbeing.

Session 2 - 10.50 - 11.50am: Sensory Profiles & Co-Regulation
Gain insight into the sensory profiles of your students and learn how to support them as a co-regulator. This session will introduce sensory checklists and highlight common patterns, offering practical interpretations. Real-life scenarios will be shared to illustrate how empathetic, supportive responses make a difference.

Session 3 - 12- 1.00pm: Practical Resources for Schools
Discover practical tools and resources designed to support sensory and emotional regulation in the classroom. We will explore approaches that can be seamlessly integrated into the school environment to better support neurodivergent learners in their daily experiences.

Bio of Presenter: Aideen Rutledge

Aideen has specialised in the area of autism having worked with Middletown Centre for Autism, the HSE and NHS as an Occupational Therapist (OT) over the past 20 years. She is a certified Sensory Attachment Therapist and holds a Masters in Sensory Integration.

Aideen supports children and young people directly, their families and schools. She also provides specialist training to professionals and parents in the area of regulation and Autism.

Aideen was the winner of the 2022 Eva Duggan Award which celebrated excellence in Children's OT practice. She has had two published peer review papers in the Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy in 2019 and 2024.

Theme: Supporting Non-Speaking Students in an Autism Classroom

Purpose:

This professional learning day focuses on practical, evidence-informed strategies to support non-speaking autistic students. Participants will deepen their understanding of communication, engagement, and inclusive teaching practices that empower every child to participate meaningfully in learning.

Audience:
Primary SNAs, Teachers, and school support staff working with autistic learners.

Recording & Cert of Attendance: A recording will be shared with all registrants for a period of 4 weeks after the webinar. It will be emailed to you the following morning along with a cert of attendance for 3.5hrs. This can be used against your Croke Park hours. 

Session Details

Session 1: AAC and a Total Communication Approach (9:30 – 10:40)

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the principles of a total communication approach.

• Explore a range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems (low-tech to high-tech).

• Identify strategies to support expressive and receptive communication for non-speaking students.

Activities:

• Case study: Explore profiles of non-speaking students and identify potential AAC supports.

• Demonstration: Modelling AAC use during common classroom routines.

• Small group discussion: Brainstorm how to encourage communication beyond formal lessons.

Takeaway Tools:

• AAC implementation checklist

• Communication partner tips for educators and aides

Session 2: Creating Communicative Classrooms: Visual Supports and Structure (10:50 – 11:50)

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the role of visual supports in reducing anxiety and supporting comprehension.

• Learn to structure the classroom to maximize communication opportunities.

• Design classroom routines that encourage choice-making and participation.

Activities:

• Interactive walk-through: Review examples of visual schedules, choice boards, and work systems.

• Small group activity: Redesign a classroom layout or routine using visual and structural supports.

• Discussion: Embedding AAC use across all curriculum areas.

Takeaway Tools:

• Visual support templates (schedules, communication boards, routines)

• Classroom structure planning sheet

Session 3: Individualised Goals and Differentiated Instruction (12.00 – 13:00)

Learning Objectives:

• Develop individualised, achievable goals aligned with students’ strengths and communication modes.

• Apply principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiation to instruction.

• Integrate AAC and communication goals into daily lessons and assessments.

Activities:

• Guided practice: Writing SMART communication and learning goals.

• Peer feedback: Review and refine sample student goals.

• Collaborative planning: Create a mini lesson plan embedding communication opportunities.

Takeaway Tools:

• Goal-setting template

• Differentiation planning guide

• Examples of embedded AAC lesson plans

Bio of Presenter Jessie Kelly

Jessie is a Deputy Principal in a Special School for Autistic children who have complex needs. She has almost 13 years experience working with and teaching Autistic children and teenagers. Jessie has worked in a range of roles including home tutor, autism preschool tutor, SNA and Special class teacher. Jessie completed an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2012 and qualified as a primary school teacher with Hibernia College in 2019. Jessie recently completed a Postgraduate Certificate in the Education of Students on the Autism Spectrum at DCU. Jessie is passionate about educating Autistic students to their fullest potential. She runs the Instagram page ‘InspiredbyAutism’..